Porsche 911 GT2 RS: 700 HP, Record Nürburgring Champion

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS stands as the zenith of the iconic 911 lineage, a rear-wheel-drive monster engineered for unparalleled speed and precision. This 991.2 generation model, produced from 2017 to 2019, redefined what’s possible in a road-legal supercar with its blistering acceleration, record-shattering lap times, and surprisingly approachable dynamics.

Engineering a Powerhouse: The Heart of the GT2 RS

At the core of the GT2 RS lies a massively upgraded 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, delivering a staggering 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This output marks it as Porsche’s most potent road-going 911 to date, surpassing even the Turbo S variants. The powerplant features advanced turbocharging with variable turbine geometry and a water-spray intercooler system that keeps intake temperatures in check during sustained high-rev assaults, ensuring consistent performance on track days.

Power routes exclusively to the rear wheels via a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission borrowed from the hypercar 918 Spyder. This setup provides lightning-fast shifts with minimal interruption, propelling the car from 0-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds and onto a top speed electronically limited to 211 mph to preserve the track-focused tires. Unlike the all-wheel-drive Turbo models, the GT2 RS embraces rear-drive purity, demanding skill but rewarding with explosive exits from corners thanks to its massive torque reserves.

Chassis and Handling: Precision Meets Ferocity

Porsche’s GT department honed the GT2 RS into a corner-carving machine. The suspension employs adjustable magnetorheological dampers, rear-axle steering, and a front-axle lift system for superior low-speed maneuverability. Carbon-ceramic brakes (PCCB) with 16.1-inch front rotors and six-piston calipers upfront, paired with 15.4-inch rears and four-piston calipers, deliver fade-free stopping power from triple-digit speeds.

Tire choices include Dunlop Sport Maxx Race rubber (265/35ZR-20 front, 325/30ZR-21 rear) or optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s, providing Velcro-like grip that belies the rear-drive layout. This adhesion allows the GT2 RS to outgrip some AWD 911s, with active aerodynamics generating up to 450 kg of downforce at speed via a massive adjustable rear wing and underbody diffusers.

On the scales, it tips at around 3,241 lbs with the optional Weissach package, which strips out luxuries like air conditioning and infotainment for magnesium wheels, titanium components, and lightweight glass—saving 40 lbs for $31,000 extra. This obsessive weight reduction amplifies the engine’s rearward mass, creating a pendulum-like dynamic that’s thrilling on track but demands respect on public roads.

Performance Benchmarks: Record-Breaking Credentials

The GT2 RS etched its name in history by becoming the fastest production car to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife, clocking 6:47.3 minutes in 2017—a feat that underscored its supremacy. Straight-line prowess includes a quarter-mile in 10.3 seconds, with the engine’s peak power erupting at 7,000 rpm for an explosive top-end rush.

This table highlights the GT2 RS’s edge over its Turbo sibling, emphasizing lighter weight and raw power.

Driving Dynamics: From Street to Circuit

Behind the wheel, the GT2 RS deceives with its civility at low speeds. The engine idles tractably below 2,500 rpm, building boost progressively before unleashing fury higher in the rev range—peaking just shy of the 7,200 rpm limiter. Rear-axle steering aids agility in tight turns, eliminating understeer even on roundabouts, while the chassis communicates every surface ripple through a direct, weighted steering rack.

Track sessions reveal its true nature: torque hurls it out of apexes, PDK shifts like a whipcrack, and aero clamps it down in high-speed sweeps. Yet, it’s forgiving—easier to drive fast than prior GT2s due to refined traction management. On slippery surfaces, the rear-drive setup shines with controlled slides, rewarding throttle modulation.

Design and Aerodynamics: Form Follows Function

Visually, the GT2 RS is aggression incarnate: widened rear fenders accommodating massive tires, a carbon-fiber hood with vents, and that iconic double-bubble wing channeling air for cooling and downforce. Active flaps adjust for efficiency or max grip, while underfloor strakes and a rear diffuser optimize airflow.

Inside, it’s spartan—Alcantara everywhere, lightweight buckets with six-point harnesses optional, and a digital cluster focused on tachometer and boost gauges. The Weissach pack removes rear seats entirely, prioritizing track purity over passenger comfort.

Ownership and Practicality: Supercar Realities

Priced from £207,506 new (around $280,000), values hold strong today, often exceeding $450,000 for low-mileage examples due to collector appeal. Fuel economy hovers at 23.9 mpg combined, with 269 g/km CO2—thirsty but expected. Maintenance demands Porsche specialist care, especially for the turbo system and PCCBs, but reliability matches its GT siblings.

• Pros: Insane acceleration, Nürburgring prowess, engaging dynamics
• Cons: High cost, firm ride, no manual option
• Best for: Track enthusiasts seeking road legality

GT2 RS vs Rivals: Class Dominance

Against the McLaren 720S or Ferrari 488 Pista, the GT2 RS counters with superior track times and 911 usability. Its rear-drive purity offers more driver involvement than AWD rivals, though it sacrifices some all-weather traction.

Legacy and Collectibility

As the 991 era’s send-off, the GT2 RS embodies Porsche’s GT philosophy: accessible yet extreme. It remains a benchmark, influencing the 992 generation’s hybrids while standing as a analog thrill in a digital world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Porsche 911 GT2 RS rear-wheel drive?

Yes, exclusively rear-wheel drive, unlike the AWD Turbo S, for purer handling dynamics.

What is the Nürburgring lap time for the GT2 RS?

6:47.3 minutes, the fastest production car record at the time.

Does it have a manual transmission?

No, only the seven-speed PDK automatic.

How much does a used GT2 RS cost?

Typically $300,000-$500,000 depending on mileage and spec.

Is the GT2 RS street-legal?

Fully road-legal worldwide, with surprising daily usability despite track focus.